Are Le Creuset replacing their pans?

[TranquilityofSolitude]

I was thinking about buying a new set of pans (new hob - none of my old ones work!), and the ones I had in mind were these

However, I have also found these ones. I haven't seen them in any shops (I've looked in John Lewis and a Le Creuset outlet store) and I like the other ones better.

What concerns me is that the ones I like might be replaced by the new ones, so I wondered if anyone had heard that the pans are to be replaced? I think the original ones have been around for ages and I rather liked the idea that I might buy one every now and again rather than buying a whole load at once. Any information gratefully received!

Ring them and ask them. Chances are, even if they do phase them out, you will be able to buy them in outlet stores and online for a long time to come.

Blimey they're expensive. Have you checked that the metal handles don't get hot?

Thanks for the replies. The older style don't seem to be reduced anywhere so perhaps that's a clue. Ringing them sounds like a good idea.

I know they're expensive but I hope they'll last forever!

I have the original ones and they're fabulous . You're right, the new ones don't look anywhere near as nice and when you're spending that kind of money, the aesthetics are important. I got mine a few years ago for Christmas as a set on special offer. It was much, much cheaper than buying them all individually. Do have a good hunt round to see if you can do it this way.

LC are changing their pans (think it's a different handle and a new coating) - old stuff will be available from their outlet places; some suppliers still have existing stock but I understand LC are trying to buy it all back.

New stuff will be approx 25% more expensive at RRP .

That's interesting, MyVisions. I called them today and the lady I spoke to had never heard of the new range. She insisted that the 'Signature' range was only in cast iron and not in stainless steel. I gave up trying to explain that I'd seen the new stuff on the website. DH also tried them and got the same line.

They last 25 years or more, unless you drop them. They crack into 2 bits and take out the floor tiles as well.

I managed to break one. Wooden handles do give off a lively sauna smell if you use a hob too large for the pan...

Just coming back to update in case anyone is interested...

I was in Andover earlier this week so called into the shop at their offices. They had the new range on display alongside the original stainless steel set. It is their intention to offer both ranges - at the moment there is no plan to discontinue the original range.

If you're buying new pans because you now have an induction hob, then there are loads of cheaper pans which are induction compatible.

We bought a set of Tefal pans which have been great. I've used LeCreuset saucepans years ago in a rental property, and they are really heavy. I actually couldn't lift the frying pan with one hand, I needed two.